Staff WriterIf you’re still wondering whether Golf Saudi is serious about reshaping the future of women’s golf, Patty Tavatanakit has a message for you—yes, and then some.
The world No. 41 and 2021 ANA Inspiration champion wasn’t shy about praising Golf Saudi’s influence as she stepped onto the rolling fairways of Centurion Club ahead of this week’s PIF London Championship—the third jewel in the PIF Global Series crown.
“For me, what they’re aiming for is generational growth. It’s bigger than just getting more players now. It’s definitely having a positive impact,” Tavatanakit said, still carrying a sunburn from the AIG Women’s Open in Wales, where she finished T63 but gained a few insights and, hopefully, some waterproof shoes.
While other federations dabble in vague mission statements and fuzzy timelines, Golf Saudi has bulldozed ahead—quite literally—building new courses and laying foundations for something more ambitious than just growing a game. They’re targeting 47,000 active players in the Kingdom by 2030, and that’s not a typo.
“They’re building new golf courses and aiming to have, I think, 47,000 players in Saudi by 2030 — which is massive,” Tavatanakit continued. “If you think 20 or 30 years ago, the players seeing growth then were probably in the same shoes we’re in now. It’s a great opportunity for us and for the next generation.”
And opportunity, in this case, is arriving with both Saudi speed and Saudi scale. Golf Saudi’s stated goals aren’t just about filling tee sheets—they’re designing an entire ecosystem, one that combines grassroots development, international tourism, and eye-watering architecture. It’s golf as lifestyle, infrastructure, and diplomatic handshake—all in one smooth swing.
One of the flashier signs of that vision came earlier this week with the unveiling of the Public Investment Fund’s Future Fairways project, a digital walk-through of three next-generation courses: Shura Links, Trojena Northern, and Laheq. Think “Tron meets St. Andrews” and you’re in the ballpark.
Solheim Cup legend Carlota Ciganda got a firsthand look—and came away stunned.
“We were in London on Tuesday night playing the future courses they’re building. It’s unbelievable — the investment, the plans, bringing new golfers into the sport. I’m very grateful and lucky to be a part of it,” said the Spaniard, looking like someone who’d seen the future and it was shaped like a sand wedge.
“I love playing these events. It’s amazing to see the changes happening, putting more sports into the country, and hopefully encouraging more women and golfers in general.”
Add Celine Boutier to the list of believers. The Frenchwoman, ranked No. 17 in the world and a former Major winner herself, echoed Ciganda’s sentiment, crediting Golf Saudi with elevating the LET and putting a long-overdue spotlight on the women’s game.
“They’ve been amazing for the Ladies European Tour, for women’s golf in general,” Boutier said. “The support we’ve been getting throughout the years with the tournaments and everything they’ve done for women’s golf has been very inspiring.
“Everything they’re aiming to do, even in Saudi Arabia with the golf courses they’re building and trying to get more golfers into the sport, has been super impressive.”
Impressive indeed. While some countries debate whether to add a new bunker, Golf Saudi is effectively turning the Kingdom into golf’s next frontier. If their plans come to fruition—and given the pace they’re setting, you wouldn’t want to bet against them—the next generation of Tavatanakits, Cigandas, and Boutiers may well come from Riyadh, not Rancho Mirage.
The PIF London Championship runs from August 8–10 at Centurion Club, with the world’s top players vying not just for a trophy, but for a chance to be part of golf’s accelerating evolution.
Tickets are available at www.pif-london.tixr.com
For more on the PIF Global Series and the PIF London Championship, visit www.pifglobalseries.com
Or just show up—after all, this is history in spikes.
